Azerbaijani ambassador to Georgia offers condolences at Iranian embassy

Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Georgia, Faig Guliyev, visited the Iranian Embassy in Tbilisi on May 1 to express condolences following the deadly explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas, Iran.

The visit came as Iran observes a national day of mourning for those killed in the incident, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

Ambassador Guliyev offered sympathies to embassy staff and signed the book of condolence.

In his message, the ambassador extended heartfelt condolences to the people of Iran and the families of the victims. He also wished a swift recovery to those injured in the explosion.

No official figures have yet been released regarding the number of casualties from the blast, which occurred earlier this week in the southern Iranian port city.

Note that, a deadly explosion struck Iran’s Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas on April 26, 2025, killing at least 18 people and injuring hundreds. The blast occurred in a storage area containing hazardous chemicals, with initial investigations pointing to a fire involving ammonium-based compounds. 

Authorities have not ruled out negligence, and Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni has vowed a full inquiry, stating that individuals responsible are being questioned.

The port, a key hub for Iran’s shipping and trade on the Strait of Hormuz, saw operations temporarily halted as emergency services responded to the disaster. The explosion caused widespread panic, with social media footage showing plumes of red and orange smoke and shattered structures across the area. Nearby oil facilities reportedly escaped damage.

The epicentre of the blast was linked to warehouses managed by a charity organisation tied to Iran’s Supreme Leader, intensifying public scrutiny. The government has imposed tight media restrictions, fuelling accusations of a cover-up.

A national day of mourning was declared as the country reels from one of its deadliest non-military industrial incidents in years.

By Aghakazim Guliyev